Inflatable packaging cushion

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are aspects of an inflatable packaging cushion. In one embodiment, the inflatable packaging cushion includes a body having at least one inflatable chamber. The body also includes a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such that the fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one elongate closure strip extends within the fluid passage of the fluid port. The at least one elongate closure strip is configured to be moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

BACKGROUND

Protective packaging material is often used to protect items beingstored, shipped, or otherwise transported. Examples of conventionalprotective packaging material include foam peanuts, wads of newspaper orother paper, and bubble wrap. However, conventional packaging materialmay provide an insert with an awkward size and shape that is difficultto store.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an inflatable packaging cushionhaving a body that includes at least one inflatable chamber. The bodyalso includes a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage thatfluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such thatthe fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the atleast one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage forrespective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatablechamber. At least one elongate closure strip extends within the fluidpassage of the fluid port. The elongate closure strip is configured tobe moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluidpassage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides an inflatable packagingcushion that includes a body having a chamber segment that includes atleast one inflatable chamber. The body also includes a neck segment thatextends outward from the chamber segment. The neck segment includes aninternal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least oneinflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment suchthat the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allowfluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through theinternal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation anddeflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one snapstrip extends within the neck segment of the body. The at least one snapstrip is configured to be selectively moved between a sealed positionthat closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position thatopens the internal fluid passage.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides an inflatable packagingcushion having a body that includes a chamber segment having at leastone inflatable chamber. The body also includes a neck segment thatextends outward from the chamber segment. The neck segment includes aninternal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least oneinflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment suchthat the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allowfluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through theinternal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation anddeflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one adhesivestrip extends within the neck segment of the body. The at least oneadhesive strip has a sealed position that closes the internal fluidpassage and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage isopen.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of an inflatablepackaging cushion according to principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the inflatable packaging cushionshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary packagingcontainer 20 that includes the inflatable packaging cushion shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of the inflatablepackaging cushions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a deflated state accordingto principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the inflatable packaging cushionshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating an exemplary inflating operationaccording to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view illustrating another embodiment of aninflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating yet another embodiment ofan inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view illustrating still another embodimentof an inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a side-by-side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof an elongate closure strip of the inflatable packaging cushion shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side-by-side cross-sectional view illustrating exemplarysealing and unsealing operations of the elongate closure strip shown inFIG. 9 according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side-by-side cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofan elongate closure strip of the inflatable packaging cushion shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view illustrating a plurality of otherembodiments of inflatable packaging cushions according to principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of an inflatable packagingcushion according to principles of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of aninflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles of the disclosure provide an inflatable packaging cushionthat includes a body having at least one inflatable chamber. The bodyalso includes a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage thatfluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such thatthe fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the atleast one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage forrespective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatablechamber. At least one elongate closure strip extends within the fluidpassage of the fluid port. The at least one elongate closure strip isconfigured to be moved between a sealed position that closes theinternal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internalfluid passage. Embodiments shown and/or described herein may provide aninflatable packaging cushion that is reusable and/or more easily storedand/or transported as compared to packaging cushions that are notdeflatable.

Referring to the figures, examples of the disclosure enable aninflatable packaging cushion.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown one embodiment of aninflatable packaging cushion 100. The cushion 100 includes a body 102that includes one or more inflatable chambers 104. The body 102 of thecushion 100 includes a fluid port 106 that enables the inflatablechamber 104 to be inflated via the introduction of a fluid (e.g., air,another gas, water, another liquid, etc.) into the inflatable chamber104 through the fluid port 106. The fluid port 106 also enables theinflatable chamber 104 to be deflated by allowing the fluid to exit theinflatable chamber 104 through the fluid port 106.

More particularly, the body 102 of the cushion 100 includes an internalfluid passage 108 that fluidly communicates with each of the inflatablechambers 104 and the fluid port 106 includes an internal fluid passage110 that fluidly communicates with the internal fluid passage 108. Theinternal fluid passage 110 is open at an opening 112 of the fluid port106. In other words, the internal fluid passage 110 includes the opening112 to provide an entrance into, and an exit from, the internal fluidpassage 110. Fluid introduced into the internal fluid passage 110through the opening 112 can flow through the internal fluid passages 110and 108 and into the inflatable chambers 104 to thereby inflate theinflatable chambers 104. Similarly, fluid contained within theinflatable chambers 104 can flow out of the inflatable chambers 104through the internal fluid passages 108 and 110 and out the opening 112of the fluid port 106 to thereby deflate the inflatable chambers 104.

The fluid port 106 of the cushion 100 includes one or more elongateclosure strips 114 that extend within the internal fluid passage 110 ofthe fluid port 106 for sealing the internal fluid passage 110 of thefluid port 106. More particularly, each of the closure strips 114 ismoveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In thesealed position of the closure strips 114, the internal fluid passage110 of the fluid port 106 is closed such that fluid cannot flow throughthe internal fluid passage 110. Specifically, the sealed position of theclosure strips 114 provide a barrier within the internal fluid passage110 that prevents fluid from flowing past the closure strips 114. Thesealed position of the closure strips 114 thus prevents fluid fromflowing out of the fluid port 106 and thereby maintains the inflatablechambers 104 in an inflated state. Similarly, the sealed position of theclosure strips 114 prevents fluid from being introduced into theinflatable chambers 104 through the fluid port 106 to thereby maintainthe inflatable chambers 104 in a deflated state.

When the closure strips 114 are in the unsealed position, the internalfluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 is open such that fluid can flowthrough the internal fluid passage 110. More particularly, fluid canflow past the closure strips 114 in the unsealed position thereof. Theunsealed position of the closure strips 114 thus enables fluidintroduced into the fluid port 106 to flow through the internal fluidpassage 110 and into the inflatable chambers 104 to thereby inflate theinflatable chambers 104. The unsealed position of the closure strips 114also enables fluid to flow out of the inflatable chambers 104 throughthe internal fluid passages 108 and 110 and out of the opening 112 ofthe fluid port 106 to thereby deflate the inflatable chambers 104.Although four are shown in the exemplary embodiment of the cushion 100,the fluid port 106 may include any number of closure strips 114.

The inflatable packaging cushion 100 can be used to cushion and therebyprotect an item held within a container. For example, the cushion 100can be used as an insert that is inserted into a packaging container tocushion one or more items held within the packaging container. Thecushion 100 can be used to protect the item(s) during transport of thepackaging container between two locations (e.g., during shipping of theitem(s) from a supplier to a customer, during return shipping of theitem(s) from a customer to the supplier, during transport of the item(s)between two different locations of the same entity, etc.) In otherexamples, the cushion 100 can be used to protect the item(s) duringstorage of the item(s).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary packaging container 200 that isconfigured to be hold one or more items (not shown) in an interiorcompartment 202 thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, two inflatable packagingcushions 100 have been inserted into the interior compartment 202 of thecontainer 200. The inflatable chambers 104 of the cushions 100 have beeninflated to the inflated state, as can also be seen in FIG. 3. In theexample of the packaging container 200, the cushions 100 are arrangedalong a portion of the periphery of the interior compartment 202 suchthat the cushions 100 provide cushioning to any items that are heldwithin the interior compartment 202 between the cushions. For example,the cushions 100 may facilitate protecting the item(s) from impactdamage.

Although two are shown, any number of the cushions 100 may be insertedinto the interior compartment 202 of the container 200 to cushion theitem(s) held therein. Moreover, the cushions 100 may have anyarrangement within the interior compartment 202. For example, thecushions 100 may be positioned at ends 204 and/or 206 of the interiorcompartment 202 in addition or alternatively to the positioning of thecushions 100 at the ends 208 and 210 shown in FIG. 3. In other examples,one or more cushions 100 are positioned between two items held withinthe interior compartment 202 of the container 200. It should beunderstood that a variety of different sizes and/or shapes of thecushions 100 may be used in combination with each other within theinterior compartment 202, the selection of which may depend on the sizeand/or shape of the container 200 and/or the size and/or shape of theitem(s) held therein.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a plurality of the inflatable packagingcushions 100 are shown in the deflated state. More particularly, anyfluid contained with the inflatable chambers 104 of the cushions 100 hasbeen at least partially evacuated from the inflatable chambers 104 suchthat the inflatable chambers 104 are deflated (i.e., in the deflatedstate). As shown in FIG. 4, the body 102 of the cushion 100 liessubstantially flat when the inflatable chambers 104 are in the deflatedstate. Accordingly, the cushions 100 occupy less space in the deflatedstate as compared to the inflated state. Such a space-saving feature ofthe cushions 100 enable the cushions 100 to be more easily stored and/ortransported as compared to packaging cushions that are not deflatable.For example, a plurality of the cushions 100 may be stacked in arelatively flat stack 216 as shown in FIG. 4 such that a greater numberof the cushions 100 may be stored and/or transported within a givenamount of space. In some examples, one or more of the cushions 100 isincluded within a packaging container (e.g., the packaging container 200shown in FIG. 3) in the deflated state for inflation by a receiver ofthe packaging container to protect one or more items received thereinduring storage, return, or other further transportation of the receiveditem(s). For example, a customer who has purchased an item may use oneor more cushions 100 included within the packaging container of the itemto return the item to the supplier from which the item was purchased.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in some examples, the inflatable chambers 104of the inflatable packaging cushion 100 are inflated by the mouth of auser. For example, with the closure strip(s) 114 in the unsealedposition, the user places the user's mouth on the fluid port 106 andblows air into the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 toforce air through the internal fluid passage 108 of the body 102 intothe inflatable chamber(s) 104 and thereby inflate the inflatablechamber(s) 104. The user can then move the closure strip(s) 114 to thesealed position to thereby close the internal fluid passage 110 of thefluid port 106 and maintain the inflatable chamber(s) 104 in theinflated state.

In other examples, the user inflates the inflatable chambers 104 of theinflatable packaging cushion 100 using a source of compressed air orother gas (not shown). In still other examples, the user inflates theinflatable chambers 104 of the cushion 100 using water or anotherliquid, for example using a faucet, hose, spigot, etc.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 102 of the inflatablepackaging cushion 100 includes a chamber segment 118 that extends alength from an end portion 120 to an opposite end portion 122. Thechamber segment 118 extends a length from an end portion 124 to anopposite end portion 126. The end portion 124 is not visible in FIG. 1.Opposite side portions 128 and 130 extend between the end portions 120,122, 124, and 126. The side portion 130 is not visible in FIG. 2. As canbe seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the internal fluid passage 108 and theinflatable chambers 104 extend within the chamber segment 118 of thebody 102.

The fluid port 106 of the cushion 100 is defined by a neck segment 132of the body 102. The neck segment 132 extends a length outward from thechamber segment 118 to an end portion 134 of the neck segment 132. Theneck segment 132 has a reduced dimension as compared to the portion ofthe chamber segment 118 from which the neck segment 132 extends, as canbe seen in FIG. 2. The neck segment 132 includes the internal fluidpassage 110 of the fluid port 106. More particularly, the internal fluidpassage 110 extends within the neck segment 132 from the internal fluidpassage 108 of the chamber segment 118 to the opening 112 of the fluidport 106. In the exemplary embodiment of the neck segment 132, theopening 112 extends through the end portion 134 of the neck segment 132such that the internal fluid passage extends through the length of theneck segment 132 from the internal fluid passage 108 of the chambersegment 118 to the end portion 134 of the neck segment 132. But, theopening 112 may extend at any other location along the length of theneck segment 132, for example at an approximate midpoint of the lengthof the neck segment 132.

As shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the neck segment 332 includes theclosure strips 114 that close the internal fluid passage 110 of thefluid port 106. More particularly, the closure strips 114 extend withinthe neck segment 332 of the body 102. The closure strips 114 will bedescribed in more detail below.

The exemplary embodiment of the neck segment 132 is integrally formed asa single unitary structure with the chamber segment 118 of the body 102.In other examples, the neck segment 132 is separately formed andattached to the chamber segment 118, for example by lamination, heatsealing, welding, an adhesive, etc.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the neck segment 132 extends outward from theend portion 122 of the chamber segment 118 at a corner 136 of thechamber segment 118 (i.e., at the intersection of the end portions 122and 126). But, the neck segment 132 may extend outward from any otherlocation along the chamber segment 118 of the body 102. In someexamples, the neck segment 132 extends outward from another locationalong the end portion 122. In other examples, the neck segment 132extends outward from any location along any of the other end portions120, 124, and/or 126. In still other examples, the neck segment 132extends outward from any location along the side portions 128 and/or 130of the chamber segment 118.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the location and configuration ofan exemplary fluid port 306. As shown in FIG. 6, an inflatable packagingcushion 300 includes a body 302 having a chamber segment 318 thatincludes a plurality of inflatable chambers 304. The chamber segment 318of the body 302 is segmented into two sub-segments 318 a and 318 b thatare connected together by a fluid port 306 of the body 302. The fluidport 306 is defined by a neck segment 332 that extends between endportions 338 and 340 of the sub-segments 318 a and 318 b, respectively.More particularly, the neck segment 332 extends outward from the endportion 338 of the sub-segment 318 a to the end portion 340 of thesub-segment 318 b. The neck segment 332 also extends outward from theend portion 340 of the sub-segment 318 b to the end portion 338 of thesub-segment 318 a.

The neck segment 332 of the fluid port 306 includes an internal fluidpassage 310 that fluidly communicates with the inflatable chambers 304 aand 304 b. The internal fluid passage 310 is open at an opening 312 ofthe neck segment 332 such that fluid introduced through the opening 312can flow through the internal fluid passage 310 into the inflatablechambers 304 a and 304 b to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 304.Similarly, fluid contained within the inflatable chambers 304 a and 304b can flow out of the inflatable chambers 304 through the internal fluidpassage 310 and out the opening 312 of the fluid port 306 to therebydeflate the inflatable chambers 304.

The neck segment 332 includes one or more elongate closure strips 314 athat extend within the internal fluid passage 310 of the fluid port 306between the opening 312 and the inflatable chamber 304 a. The necksegment 332 also includes one or more elongate closure strips 314 b thatextend within the internal fluid passage 310 between the opening 312 andthe inflatable chamber 304 b. The closure strip(s) 314 a is moveablebetween a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage 310 tothe inflatable chamber 304 a and an unsealed position wherein theinternal fluid passage 310 is open the inflatable chamber 304 a.Similarly, the closure strip(s) 314 b is moveable between a sealedposition that closes the internal fluid passage 310 to the inflatablechamber 304 b and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluidpassage 310 is open to the inflatable chamber 304 b.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example of the location and configurationof an exemplary fluid port 406. An inflatable packaging cushion 400shown in FIG. 7 includes a body 402 having a chamber segment 418 thatincludes a plurality of inflatable chambers 404. The chamber segment 418includes an internal fluid passage 408 that fluidly communicates withthe inflatable chambers 404. The chamber segment 418 extends a lengthfrom an end portion 420 to an opposite end portion 422. The chambersegment 418 extends a length from an end portion 424 to an opposite endportion 426. Opposite side portions 428 and 430 extend between the endportions 420, 422, 424, and 426. The end portions 420, 422, 424, and 426include respective edges 442, 444, 446, and 448. The edges 444 and 448of the end portions 422 and 426, respectively, intersect at a corner 436of the chamber segment 418 of the body 402.

The chamber segment 418 of the body 402 includes the fluid port 406. Thefluid port 406 an internal fluid passage 410 that fluidly communicateswith the internal fluid passage 408. The internal fluid passage 410 ofthe fluid port 406 includes an opening 412 that is configured such thatfluid introduced through the opening 412 into the internal fluid passage410 can flow through the internal fluid passage 408 and into theinflatable chambers 404 to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 404.Similarly, fluid contained within the inflatable chambers 404 can flowout of the inflatable chambers 404 through the internal fluid passages408 and 410 and out the opening 412 of the fluid port 406 to therebydeflate the inflatable chambers 404.

As shown in FIG. 7, the opening 412 of the internal fluid passage 410 ofthe fluid port 406 extends through the corner 436 of the body 402. Moreparticularly, the opening 412 of the internal fluid passage 410 extendsthrough (i.e., intersects) both of the edges 444 and 448 of the endportions 422 and 426, respectively. Although the opening 412 is shownherein as extending through segments of the edges that are approximatelystraight, in other examples the opening 412 extends through a curvedsegment of the edge 444 and/or 448 (e.g., a rounded corner). Inaddition, or alternatively to the corner 436, the body 402 may includeone or more fluid ports 406 having an opening 412 extending throughanother corner of the body 402.

The fluid port 406 includes one or more elongate closure strips 414 thatextend within the internal fluid passage 410 of the fluid port 406. Theclosure strip(s) 414 is moveable between a sealed position that closesthe internal fluid passage 410 and an unsealed position wherein theinternal fluid passage 410 is open.

FIG. 8 illustrates still another example of the location andconfiguration of an exemplary fluid port 506. An inflatable packagingcushion 500 includes a body 502 having a chamber segment 518 thatincludes a plurality of inflatable chambers 504. The chamber segment 518includes an internal fluid passage 508 that fluidly communicates withthe inflatable chambers 504. The chamber segment 518 extends a lengthfrom an end portion 520 to an opposite end portion 522. The chambersegment 518 extends a length from an end portion 524 to an opposite endportion 526. Opposite side portions 528 and 530 extend between the endportions 520, 522, 524, and 526. The end portions 520, 522, 524, and 526include respective edges 542, 544, 546, and 548. The edge 548 extends alength L from the end portion 520 to the end portion 522.

The chamber segment 518 of the body 502 includes the fluid port 506. Thefluid port 506 an internal fluid passage 510 that fluidly communicateswith the internal fluid passage 508. The internal fluid passage 510 ofthe fluid port 506 includes an opening 512 that is configured such thatfluid introduced through the opening 512 into the internal fluid passage510 can flow through the internal fluid passage 508 and into theinflatable chambers 504 to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 504.Similarly, fluid contained within the inflatable chambers 504 can flowout of the inflatable chambers 504 through the internal fluid passages508 and 510 and out the opening 512 of the fluid port 506 to therebydeflate the inflatable chambers 504.

The opening 512 of the internal fluid passage 510 of the fluid port 506extends through the edge 548 of the body 502. The opening 512 extends awidth W that extends along the length L of the edge 548, as shown inFIG. 8. The dimensional value of the width W of the opening 512 is lessthan 25% of the dimensional value of the length L of the edge 548. Insome examples, the width W of the opening has a dimensional value thatis less than 10% of the dimensional value of the length L of the edge548. In still other examples, the width W of the opening has adimensional value that is less than 5% of the dimensional value of thelength L of the edge 548.

The opening 512 of the fluid port 506 may extend at any location alongthe length L of the edge 548. The location shown in FIG. 8 is meant asexemplary only. Moreover, the body 502 may include any number of thefluid ports 506 extending through the edge 548. In addition, oralternatively to the edge 548, the body 502 may include one or morefluid ports 506 having an opening 512 extending through the edge 542,544, and/or 546 of the body 502.

The fluid port 506 includes one or more elongate closure strips 514 thatextend within the internal fluid passage 510 of the fluid port 506. Theclosure strip(s) 514 is moveable between a sealed position that closesthe internal fluid passage 510 and an unsealed position wherein theinternal fluid passage 510 is open.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the elongate closure strips 114 willnow be described. In the exemplary embodiment of the inflatablepackaging cushion 100, the closure strips 114 are snap strips that areconfigured to be zipped open and closed similar to a conventionalzipper. The snap strips 114 can be selectively moved between the sealedposition and the unsealed position such that the cushion 100 isreusable. In other words, the snap strips 114 can be repeatedly movedback and forth between the sealed position and the unsealed position torepeatedly inflate and deflate the inflatable chambers 104.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the snap strips 114. Eachsnap strip 114 includes a male snap head 150 and a female snap groove152 that extend within the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port106. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment of the fluid port106, the male snap head 150 and the female snap groove 152 extend on aninterior surface 154 of the neck segment 132 that defines the internalfluid passage 110. The male snap head 150 and the female snap groove 152oppose each other within the internal fluid passage 110, as can be seenin FIG. 9.

The male snap head 150 includes a stem 156 and a flange 158 that extendsoutward from the stem 156. The female snap groove 152 includes a pair ofopposing arms 160 that include hooks 162. The female snap groove 152 isconfigured to receive the male snap head 150 therein with a snap-fitconnection to seal the snap strip 114. More particularly, in the sealedposition shown in FIG. 9(a), the stem 156 of the male snap head 150 isreceived between the opposing arms 160 of the female snap groove 152such that the flange 158 is engaged by the hooks 162 to thereby hold themale snap head 150 within the female snap groove 152 with the snap-fitconnection.

As can be seen in FIG. 9(a), in the sealed position, the snap strip 114provides a barrier within the internal fluid passage 110 that preventsfluid from flowing past the snap strips 114. The sealed position of thesnap strip 114 thus closes the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluidport 106 to fluid flow therethrough. In the unsealed position shown inFIG. 9(b), the male snap head 150 is spaced apart from the female snapgroove 152 within the internal fluid passage 110 such that fluid canflow through the internal fluid passage 110 past the snap strip 114. Theunsealed position of the snap strip 114 thus opens the internal fluidpassage 110 of the fluid port 106 to fluid flow therethrough.

Each of the snap strips 114 may be fabricated from any material(s).Non-limiting examples of the material(s) of the snap strips 114 include,but are not limited to, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate,polyamide polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene,high density polyethylene, another polymer, and/or the like. Thematerial(s) of the snap strips 114, the relative dimensions of the malesnap head 150 and the female snap groove 152 (e.g., the relativedimensions of the stem 156, the flange 158, the arms 160, and/or thehooks 162, etc.), the number of snap strip 114, and/or the like may beselected to provide the snap-fit connection of the snap strips 114 witha predetermined sealing strength that is capable of withstanding apredetermined amount of inflation pressure without spontaneouslyunsealing. Moreover, the material(s) of the snap strips 114, therelative dimensions of the male snap head 150 and the female snap groove152, the number of snap strips 114, and/or the like may be selected to,may be selected to provide the snap-fit connection with a predeterminedsnap force (e.g., the force required to snap the male snap head 150 intothe female snap groove 152, the force required to unsnap, i.e., release,the male snap head 150 from the female snap groove, etc.). In someexamples, increasing the durometer of the material(s) of the snap strips114 increases the sealing strength of the snap strips 114 and therebyprovides a more secure (i.e., a stronger) seal that can withstand ahigher inflation pressure without spontaneously unsealing.

The snap strip 114 is moved from the unsealed position shown in FIG.9(b) to the sealed position shown in FIG. 9(a) by applying force to thebody 102 of the cushion 100 in the directions of the arrows 164 and 166of FIG. 9(a) and, depending on the length of the snap strip 114, slidingalong the length of the snap strip 114 to snap the male snap head 150into the female snap groove 152 along the entirety of the length of thesnap strip 114. Similarly, the snap strip 114 is moved from the sealedposition shown in FIG. 9(a) to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 9(b)by applying force to the body 102 in the directions of the arrows 168and 170 of FIG. 9(b) to release (i.e., unsnap) the male snap head 150from the female snap groove 152.

In some examples, the snap strip 114 can be sealed and/or unsealed usingthe users fingers. For example, and referring now to FIG. 10, the snapstrip 114 can be moved from the sealed position shown in FIG. 10(a) tothe unsealed position shown in FIG. 10(b) by squeezing the neck segment132 of the body 102 at opposite ends 172 and 174 (also labeled in FIG.2) of the length of the snap strip 114, as is shown in FIG. 10(b). Thesnap strip 114 can be moved from the unsealed position shown in FIG.10(b) to the sealed position shown in FIG. 10(a) by squeezing oppositesides 176 and 178 (also labeled in FIG. 2) of the snap strip 114together, as shown in FIG. 10(a).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in other embodiments, one or more ofthe elongated closure strips 114 is an adhesive strip. For example, FIG.11 illustrates an adhesive strip 614 that may be used to open and closethe internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. Each adhesivestrip 614 includes one or more adhesive layers 650 that extends withinthe internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. More particularly,the adhesive layer 650 extends on the interior surface 154 of the necksegment 132 that defines the internal fluid passage 110. The adhesivestrip 614 is moved from the unsealed position shown in FIG. 11(b) to thesealed position shown in FIG. 11(a) by pressing the adhesive layer 650into engagement with the opposing interior surface 154 (or intoengagement with an opposing adhesive layer 650, if included). Theadhesive strip 614 is moved from the sealed position shown in FIG. 11(a)to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 11(b) by peeling the adhesivelayer 650 away from the opposing surface 154 (or the opposing layer 650)to which the adhesive layer 650 is adhered.

As can be seen in FIG. 11(a), in the sealed position, the adhesive strip614 provides a barrier within the internal fluid passage 110 thatprevents fluid from flowing past the adhesive strip 614. The sealedposition of the adhesive strip 614 thus closes the internal fluidpassage 110 of the fluid port 106 to fluid flow therethrough. In theunsealed position shown in FIG. 11(b), the adhesive layer 650 is spacedapart from the opposing surface 154 (or the opposing layer 650, ifincluded) within the internal fluid passage 110 such that fluid can flowthrough the internal fluid passage 110 past the adhesive strip 614. Theunsealed position of the adhesive strip 614 thus opens the internalfluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 to fluid flow therethrough.

The adhesive layer 650 may be fabricated from any adhesive material(s).Non-limiting examples of the material(s) of the adhesive layer 650include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, biaxially-orientedpolypropylene (BOPP), acrylic, Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA),Polyurethane, Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR), Thermoplastic Polyurethane(TPU), and/or the like. The material(s), size, and/or the like of theadhesive layer 650 may be selected to provide a predetermined sealingstrength that is capable of withstanding a predetermined amount ofinflation pressure without spontaneously unsealing.

The adhesive strip 614 optionally includes a cover layer (not shown)that removably covers the adhesive layer 650 to protect the adhesivelayer 650 when the adhesive strip 614 is not in use. The cover layer isremoved prior to use of the adhesive strip 614 to enable the adhesivelayer 650 to be adhered to the opposing surface 154 (or the opposinglayer 650, if included).

Optionally, the adhesive strip 614 can be selectively moved between thesealed position and the unsealed position such that the cushion 100 isreusable. In other words, the adhesive strip 614 is optionally capableof being repeatedly adhered and unadhered (i.e., released) from theopposing surface 154 (or the opposing layer 650, if included).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the exemplary embodiment of thecushion 100, four inflatable chambers 104 having approximately the samesize and approximately the same rectangular shape are arranged in asingle row that extends along the length of the chamber segment 118between the end portions 120 and 122. But, the cushion 100 may includeany number of the inflatable chambers 104 that are arranged in any otherpattern (e.g., any number of rows, any number of columns, etc.).Moreover, each inflatable chamber 104 may have any size and any shape,which may be different as compared to the size and/or shape of one ormore other inflatable chambers 104. The sizes, shapes, and/orarrangement of the inflatable chambers 104 may be selected to provide apredetermined amount of cushioning. FIG. 12 illustrates non-limitingexamples of inflatable packaging cushions 180, 182, 184, 186, and 188that include inflatable chambers having a variety of different exemplarynumbers, sizes, shape, and arrangements.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the chamber segment 118 of the body 102 ofthe cushion 100 has the shape of a rectangle as viewed in the sideelevational view of FIG. 2. But, the chamber segment 118 may have anyother side elevational shape that enables the cushion 100 to function asdescribed and/or illustrated herein, for example, another quadrilateralshape, a circular shape, an oval shape, another curved shape, atriangular shape, etc. The side elevational shape of the chamber segment118 may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of cushioning, tohave a complementary with the shape of a particular package container,to fit within the interior compartment of a particular packagecontainer, and/or the like.

In some examples, the length of the chamber segment 118 between the endportions 120 and 122 or the length of the chamber segment 118 betweenthe end portions 124 and 126 defines a closed shape. For example, theend portions 124 and 126 of the chamber segment 118 may connect togethersuch that the chamber segment 118 defines a closed shape along thelength between the end portions 124 and 126.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packagingcushion 700 having a body 702 that includes a fluid port 706 and achamber segment 718 having a plurality of inflatable chambers 704. Ascan be seen in FIG. 13, the chamber segment 718 extends a length thatdefines a closed shape. The closed shape of the chamber segment 718defines an interior cavity 716 that is configured to receive an itemtherein such that the inflatable chambers 704 provide cushioning to theitem. Although shown as having a closed shape that is rectangular, thechamber segment 718 may have any other closed shape (e.g., anotherquadrilateral shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, another curvedshape, a triangular shape, etc. The closed shape of the chamber segment718 may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of cushioning, tohave a complementary with the shape of a particular package container,to fit within the interior compartment of a particular packagecontainer, and/or the like.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, as described above, the internal fluidpassage 108 of the inflatable package cushion 100 is in fluidcommunication with each of the inflatable chambers 104 to enable theinflatable chambers 104 to be inflated and deflated through the fluidport 106. In the exemplary embodiment of the cushion 100, the path ofthe internal fluid passage 108 through the chamber segment 118 of thebody 102 extends adjacent the end portion 126 and along the length ofthe chamber segment 118 that extends between the end portions 120 and122. Moreover, as best seen in FIG. 2, the internal fluid passage 108directly fluidly communicates with each inflatable chamber 104. But, theinternal fluid passage 108 may extend through the chamber segment 118along any other path that enables the internal fluid passage 108 tofluidly communicate with the inflatable chambers 104. For example, theinternal fluid passage 108 extends adjacent the end portion 124 in otherexamples. In still other examples, the internal fluid passage 108 is inindirect fluid communication with one or more of the inflatable chambers104.

For example, FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an inflatablepackage cushion 800 that includes an internal fluid passage 808 thatindirectly fluidly communicates with an inflatable chamber 804 of thecushion 800. More particularly, the inflatable packaging cushion 800includes a body 802 having a fluid port 806 and a chamber segment 818that includes a plurality of inflatable chambers 804. The chambersegment 818 of the body 802 includes the internal fluid passage 808,which is in direct fluid communication with one of the inflatablechambers 804 a of the body 802. The inflatable chamber 804 a is indirect fluid communication with another of the inflatable chambers 804 bthrough an internal fluid passage 816 such that the internal fluidpassage 808 is in indirect fluid communication with the inflatablechamber 804 b. The fluid port 806 includes an internal fluid passage 810that fluidly communicates with the internal fluid passage 808. Theinternal fluid passage 810 is open at an opening 812 of the fluid port806 such that fluid introduced through the opening 812 of the fluid port806 can flow through the internal fluid passages 808 and 810 into theinflatable chamber 804 a and through the inflatable chamber 804 a andthe internal fluid passage 816 into the inflatable chamber 804 b, andvice versa.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structures of (e.g., walls,dividers, etc.) of the body 102 of the inflatable packaging cushion 100may be fabricated with any thickness, for example between approximately2 mm and approximately 30 mm. In some examples, the thickness of thewalls and/or other portions of the body 102 is selected to withstand apredetermined amount of inflation pressure, to provide a predeterminedamount of cushioning, and/or the like.

The body 102 may be fabricated from any material(s). Non-limitingexamples of the material(s) of the body 102 include, but are not limitedto, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyamide polymer,polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high densitypolyethylene, another polymer, and/or the like. The body 102 may befabricated using a process(es), for example, extrusion, lamination,and/or the like. In some examples, the body 102 is fabricated from twosheets that are laminated together. In other examples, the body 102 isfabricated from a single sheet that is folded into two segments that arelaminated together. The boundaries, divisions, and/or the like of thebody 102 that define various structures (e.g., the inflatable chambers104, the internal fluid passages 108 and 110, the closure strips 114,etc.) of the body 102 may be formed using any process(es), such as, butlimited to, lamination, heat sealing, welding, and/or the like.

In some examples, an exterior layer (not shown) of another material isapplied to an exterior surface of the body 102, for example tostrengthen the body 102, to provide additional cushioning, to providefriction between the cushion 100 and an adjacent item, etc. The exteriorlayer may be fabricated from any material (e.g., a paper, a fabric,rubber, a plastic, a cushioning material, an elastomeric material, etc.)and may be applied to the body 102 using any process(es), such as, butnot limited to, lamination, using an adhesive, heat sealing, welding,and/or the like.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES

Alternatively, or in addition to the other examples described herein,examples include any combination of the following:

In one aspect, there are provided embodiments of inflatable packagingcushions. In one example, an inflatable packaging cushion includes abody having at least one inflatable chamber, the body further includinga fluid port having an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicateswith the at least one inflatable chamber such that the fluid port isconfigured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatablechamber through the internal fluid passage for respective inflation anddeflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and at least oneelongate closure strip extending within the fluid passage of the fluidport, the at least one elongate closure strip being configured to bemoved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passageand an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

In one example, the body includes a chamber segment that includes the atleast one inflatable chamber, the body further including a neck segmentthat extends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segmentcomprising the fluid port.

In some examples, the at least one elongate closure strip includes atleast one of a snap strip or an adhesive strip.

In some examples, the at least one elongate closure strip includes atleast one snap strip that is configured to be moved from the sealedposition to the unsealed position by squeezing the body at opposite endsof the at least one snap strip.

In one example, the body extends a length that defines a closed shape.

In some examples, the at least one inflatable chamber includes at leasttwo inflatable chambers.

In another example, the internal fluid passage of the fluid portincludes an opening that extends through a corner of the body.

In one example, the body includes two edges that intersect at a cornerof the body, the internal fluid passage of the fluid port including anopening that extends through the two edges.

In still another example, the body includes an edge that extends alength from an edge portion of the body to an opposite end portion ofthe body, the internal fluid passage of the fluid port including anopening that extends through the edge, the opening having a width thatis less than 25% of the length of the edge.

In another aspect, there are provided embodiments of inflatable packagecushions. In one example, an inflatable packaging cushion includes abody having a chamber segment that includes at least one inflatablechamber. The body further including a neck segment that extends outwardfrom the chamber segment. The neck segment including an internal fluidpassage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatablechamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment such that the necksegment defines a fluid port that is configured to allow fluid to enterand exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluidpassage of the neck segment for respective inflation and deflation ofthe at least one inflatable chamber; at least one snap strip extendingwithin the neck segment of the body, the at least one snap strip beingconfigured to be selectively moved between a sealed position that closesthe internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens theinternal fluid passage.

In one example, the at least one snap strip is configured to be movedfrom the sealed position to the unsealed position by squeezing the necksegment of the body at opposite ends of the at least one snap strip.

In another example, the at least one snap strip includes a male snaphead having a flange and a female snap groove having hooks, and thefemale snap groove being configured to receive the male snap head with asnap-fit connection when the at least one snap strip is in a sealedposition.

In some examples, the chamber segment extends a length that defines aclosed shape.

In another example, the at least one snap strip comprises at least threesnap strips.

In one example, the opening of the neck segment extends through an endportion of the neck segment.

In some examples, the neck segment extends outward from an end portionof the chamber segment.

In some examples, the at least one inflatable chamber comprises at leasttwo inflatable chambers.

In another aspect, there are provided embodiments of inflatablepackaging cushions. In one example, an inflatable packaging cushionincludes a body having a chamber segment that includes at least oneinflatable chamber, the body further including a neck segment thatextends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment having aninternal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least oneinflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment suchthat the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allowfluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through theinternal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation anddeflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and at least oneadhesive strip extending within the neck segment of the body, the atleast one adhesive strip having a sealed position that closes theinternal fluid passage and an unsealed position wherein the internalfluid passage is open.

In one example, the chamber segment extends a length that defines aclosed shape.

In some examples, the neck segment extends outward from an end portionof the chamber segment.

While the aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms ofvarious examples with their associated operations, a person skilled inthe art would appreciate that a combination of operations from anynumber of different examples is also within scope of the aspects of thedisclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosurewithout departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials,orientations of the various components, and the number and positions ofthe various components described herein are intended to defineparameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting and aremerely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of thedisclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examplesthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Theterm ‘exemplary_is intended to mean ‘an example of._The phrase ‘one ormore of the following: A, B, and C_means ‘at least one of A and/or atleast one of B and/or at least one of C.” Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are notwritten in means-plus-function format and are not intended to beinterpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase ‘means for _followed by a statementof function void of further structure.

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will beapparent that modifications and variations are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in theappended claims. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope ofaspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable packaging cushion comprising: abody comprising at least one inflatable chamber, the body furthercomprising a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage thatfluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such thatthe fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the atleast one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage forrespective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatablechamber; and at least one elongate closure strip extending within thefluid passage of the fluid port, the at least one elongate closure stripbeing configured to be moved between a sealed position that closes theinternal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internalfluid passage.
 2. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, whereinthe body comprises a chamber segment that includes the at least oneinflatable chamber, the body further comprising a neck segment thatextends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment comprisingthe fluid port.
 3. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, whereinthe at least one elongate closure strip comprises at least one snapstrip.
 4. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the atleast one elongate closure strip comprises at least one snap strip thatis configured to be moved from the sealed position to the unsealedposition by squeezing the body at opposite ends of the at least one snapstrip.
 5. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the bodyextends a length that defines a closed shape.
 6. The inflatablepackaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatablechamber comprises at least two inflatable chambers.
 7. The inflatablepackaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the internal fluid passage of thefluid port comprises an opening that extends through a corner of thebody.
 8. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the bodycomprises two edges that intersect at a corner of the body, the internalfluid passage of the fluid port comprising an opening that extendsthrough the two edges.
 9. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1,wherein the body comprises an edge that extends a length from an endportion of the body to an opposite end portion of the body, the internalfluid passage of the fluid port comprising an opening that extendsthrough the edge, the opening having a width that is less than 25% ofthe length of the edge.
 10. An inflatable packaging cushion comprising:a body comprising a chamber segment that includes at least oneinflatable chamber, the body further comprising a neck segment thatextends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment comprising aninternal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least oneinflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment suchthat the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allowfluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through theinternal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation anddeflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and at least one snapstrip extending within the neck segment of the body, the at least onesnap strip being configured to be selectively moved between a sealedposition that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed positionthat opens the internal fluid passage.
 11. The inflatable packagingcushion of claim 10, wherein the at least one snap strip is configuredto be moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position bysqueezing the neck segment of the body at opposite ends of the at leastone snap strip.
 12. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10,wherein the at least one snap strip comprises a male snap head having aflange and a female snap groove having hooks, and the female snap groovebeing configured to receive the male snap head with a snap-fitconnection when the at least one snap strip is in a sealed position. 13.The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the chambersegment extends a length that defines a closed shape.
 14. The inflatablepackaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the at least one snap stripcomprises at least three snap strips.
 15. The inflatable packagingcushion of claim 10, wherein the opening of the neck segment extendsthrough an end portion of the neck segment.
 16. The inflatable packagingcushion of claim 10, wherein the neck segment extends outward from anend portion of the chamber segment.
 17. The inflatable packaging cushionof claim 10, wherein the at least one inflatable chamber comprises atleast two inflatable chambers.
 18. An inflatable packaging cushioncomprising: a body comprising a chamber segment that includes at leastone inflatable chamber, the body further comprising a neck segment thatextends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment comprising aninternal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least oneinflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment suchthat the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allowfluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through theinternal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation anddeflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and at least one snapstrip extending within the neck segment of the body, the at least onesnap strip having a sealed position that closes the internal fluidpassage and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage isopen.
 19. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 18, wherein thechamber segment extends a length that defines a closed shape.
 20. Theinflatable packaging cushion of claim 18, wherein the neck segmentextends outward from an end portion of the chamber segment.